transparent

adjective

trans·​par·​ent tran(t)s-ˈper-ənt How to pronounce transparent (audio)
1
a(1)
: having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly : pellucid
(2)
: allowing the passage of a specified form of radiation (such as X-rays or ultraviolet light)
b
: fine or sheer enough to be seen through : diaphanous
2
a
: free from pretense or deceit : frank
b
: easily detected or seen through : obvious
c
: readily understood
d
: characterized by visibility or accessibility of information especially concerning business practices
transparently adverb
transparentness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for transparent

clear, transparent, translucent, limpid mean capable of being seen through.

clear implies absence of cloudiness, haziness, or muddiness.

clear water

transparent implies being so clear that objects can be seen distinctly.

a transparent sheet of film

translucent implies the passage of light but not a clear view of what lies beyond.

translucent frosted glass

limpid suggests the soft clearness of pure water.

her eyes were limpid pools of blue

Examples of transparent in a Sentence

bottles of blue transparent glass his meaning in leaving the conversation is transparent: he doesn't want to talk about his combat experiences
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Being transparent and genuine with my team has fostered a culture of trust and loyalty, which is essential for long-term success. 3. Danielle Correia, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025 Those are all good whiskies, but one company has been making blends that are just a little more interesting and a lot more transparent: Compass Box. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 12 Jan. 2025 Both attorneys agreed that this issue holds significant public interest, which demands a more transparent process. Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Jan. 2025 LaRouche said in a statement that the governor believes that state government must be open, transparent and accountable to taxpayers. Anna Clark, ProPublica, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for transparent 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin transparent-, transparens, present participle of transparēre to show through, from Latin trans- + parēre to show oneself

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of transparent was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near transparent

Cite this Entry

“Transparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transparent. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

transparent

adjective
trans·​par·​ent tran(t)s-ˈpar-ənt How to pronounce transparent (audio)
-ˈper-
1
a
: transmitting light so that objects lying beyond are entirely visible
b
: fine or sheer enough to be seen through
transparent gauze
2
: easily detected or understood : obvious
transparent falsehood
transparently adverb

Medical Definition

transparent

adjective
trans·​par·​ent -ənt How to pronounce transparent (audio)
1
: having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly
2
: allowing the passage of a specified form of radiation (as X-rays or ultraviolet light)

More from Merriam-Webster on transparent

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